With few hours left for election counting, contestants and their supporters are fully engrossed in the guesswork as to their political fortunes which remain sealed in the EVMs inside strong rooms of Jamshedpur Co-operative College.

“On the basis of the reports received so far from the constituency, we are confident that BJP candidate from Jamshedpur Bidyut Baran Mahto will emerge the winner. Almost all the political analysts of the city have expressed confidence over his victory. We all are assured,” said Anil Modi, spokesperson, district BJP.

He said that every party worker was involved in the election campaign and worked hard to mobilise the voters.

Meanwhile, in every nook and corner of the city, the discussions are on in full swing over the fate of contestants in fray for Lok Sabha by election.

“The only topic we had for discussion in our office was about tomorrow’s counting. People have their own opinion but I certainly feel that Champai Soren is the local favourite,” said Amlan Chakravarty, an employee of a private bank.

Leaders of JMM are also confident of Champai's victory. Ramesh Hansda, a senior functionary of district JMM said that people would vote him to power.

Activists of JMM are equally excited. “Champai da has given a tough fight to all the contestants and people have shown faith in the leadership of Shibu Soren, we are confident that our candidate will rise in tomorrow’s counting exercise,” said Ramdas Soren , a senior leader.

“The reports coming in from the remote polling stations in the Ghatshila sub division have suggested our position is as good as it is in the urban area and we are confident of keeping the seat in the BJP fold,” said a BJP leader.